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Six reasons you should be using MVHR systems

Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager, offers six reasons to use MVHR systems.

Valued at $106.69 million in 2022, the Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) UK market is predicted to reach $235.34 million by 2030.  This extraordinary growth is being driven by increased awareness about the benefits of MVHR, as well as the adoption of these systems to comply with the latest uplift to Building Regulations. 

MVHR systems take a whole house approach to ventilation, combing supply and extract ventilation in one system.  They extract the stale air from wet rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces) within a property via ducting, transferring the heat from that air to the fresh air being drawn into the building via a heat exchanger.  Domus Ventilation’s HRXE MVHR range recovers heat with up to 95% efficiency, making it highly effective.  The filtered, pre-warmed air is then distributed around the home.

If you’re yet to be sold on MVHR systems, then consider these key benefits

  • Health

In the UK, we spend 80-90% of our time indoors.  The air that we breath indoors is therefore just as – if not more – important than the air we breathe outdoors.  Sources of indoor air pollution are widespread, from cooking, cleaning products and furniture to external emissions entering our homes.  In the winter months you also have condensation and mould to contend with.  

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness, cognitive impairment and certain cancers. England’s Chief Medical Officers Annual Report 2022 Air Pollution stated: “The role of ventilation is central to reducing unavoidable indoor air pollution.”  MVHR systems are the most effective ventilation method for our homes as they both extract stale air and supply filtered ‘fresh’ air to key rooms, such as bedrooms.

  • Comfort 

Breathing in poor quality air is not only unhealthy, it’s unpleasant.  As stale air is usually the result of a buildup of chemicals (especially VOCs) and humidity, our homes feel ‘stuffy’ and can have an unpleasant smell. MVHR systems are continuously on, removing that stale, humid air and its undesirable odours.  Furthermore, during colder months they take the chill out of the supply air by passing it through a heat exchanger where the outgoing air’s energy is extracted and transferred.  In the summer months, an automatic 100% thermal bypass allows in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it.  

  • Energy efficiency

By reusing the outgoing air’s heat to temper the incoming air, MVHR systems help reduce the home’s heating load.  The Centre for Sustainable Energy estimates heating costs can be reduced by around 25%.  Whilst MVHR running costs are dependent on the property size, building fabric, occupant lifestyle etc., they are inexpensive to run.  To ensure maximum energy efficiency is gained from an MVHR system though, it’s important to correctly size the unit, use good quality ducting (Domus Ventilation ducting has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance), and correctly install and commission the units.

  • Structural integrity

If not dealt with, trapped condensation can lead to timber decay and can have a detrimental effect on insulation.  More often though, it leads to mould growth on surfaces of walls and furniture.  Removing large areas of mould is not easy and can be costly, especially when redecorating is required and furniture has to be replaced.  What’s more, as the source of the mould hasn’t been addressed, it’s very likely it will return.  MVHR systems remove humidity, reducing levels of condensation and preventing mould from forming.

  • Building Regulations

Changes to Building Regulations ‘Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings’ (ADF1) came into effect on 15th June 2022.  Across all sizes of properties, minimum ventilation rates were increased.  In the case of larger properties with five bedrooms, the minimum ventilation rate went from 29 to 43l/s.  To achieve these new ventilation rates, mechanical ventilation systems such as MVHRs are the most proficient option.

  • Value-add 

The public are more aware than ever before of the importance of good air quality.  Stories of extreme overheating in properties located in urban heat islands are also making national news.  For housebuilders, an MVHR system can therefore be an attractive proposition to home buyers, providing them with good indoor air quality, added comfort and energy efficiency.

These six points all provide a powerful argument for including MVHR systems into your new residential developments. So, if you haven’t really considered MVHR systems previously, isn’t it time to think again?

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality. 

www.domusventilation.co.uk 

vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk 

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Gilberts goes to court to prove (ventilation) performance

The UK’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts Blackpool has gone to court to prove its performance- the moot court at the University of Central Lancaster (UCLAN).

The UK’s legal market is growing- up 8% according to latest data- prompting a corresponding growth in demand for law degree courses. As a result, UCLAN needed to expand its moot court facilities, where students simulate legal proceedings ready for “real world’ experience, with all associated building works including an acoustic ceiling to minimise distracting sound and enable focus on the legal arguments.

Building services engineers Bay Building Services Ltd delivered the in-court ventilation to a concept produced by building services design consultancy Beech Jackson. 

Bay Building Services Ltd chose Gilberts’ Series MN multi-nozzle and Series GA spiral swirl diffusers ducted from an air ram unit and linked to a building management system to achieve the high induction, high air change levels needed to maintain the internal ambient temperature. To match the brief of keeping any distraction to the minimum, the Series MN diffusers were powder coated in white, and the Series GA in black, to blend into the acoustic ceiling.

Gilberts’ Series K fixed blade extract grilles in grey linked to a bespoke WHF high performance louvre with the blades set upwards ensure efficient extraction of the used air with 35Dba noise attenuation.

Matt Feather, Director @ Bay Building Services Ltd explained, “The design and build project was complex: what began as a small refurbishment turned into a much bigger scheme to meet UCLAN’s requirements. We know from experience that Gilberts will always deliver the quality of product at a competitive price, and have the capability to flex with a changing brief.”

All Gilberts’ products- standard lines and bespoke solutions- are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in the company’s state of the art 140,000 ft2 facility in Blackpool.

https://gilbertsblackpool.com

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Domus Ventilation MVHR features in new SME Energy Centre

Domus Ventilation is proud to be a participant in the newly opened SME Energy Centre in Surrey. , where it has provided an HRXE-HERA Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit for display., along with wall mounted graphics for the informative showroom explaining the benefits of this ventilation technology.

With a prime location of Banstead High Street in Surrey, the SME Energy Centre offers a welcoming environment where visitors can explore and discuss various energy-efficient technologies, and make informed decisions for their homes or businesses.  Collaborating with local architects and councils, The SME Energy Centre is committed to educating clients, schools, and the general public on the benefits of renewable energy and green technologies.

For those unable to visit the SME Energy Centre in person, a virtual tour is available online at www.energy-centre.co.uk featuring the same audio and text descriptions for all the products on display.  This includes a Domus Ventilation video explaining how an MVHR system works.

Commenting on the SME Energy Centre launch, which took place on 31st May Domus Ventilation Contractor Sales Manager Joe Ash said “A lot of hard work has gone into this project and the result is excellent.  At the opening day it was great to be able to meet with other key suppliers, locals, and local politicians and explain the benefits of MVHR and the Domus product range.”

The Domus Ventilation HRXE-HERA on display at the SME Energy Centre is a high performance MVHR that combines supply and extract ventilation in one system.  It efficiently recovers the heat typically lost in waste, stale air and uses it to temper the fresh air drawn into the building via a heat exchanger.  The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings. 

Suited to use in smaller properties of up to two/three bedrooms, HRXE-HERA is an energy efficient MVHR unit, thanks to its advanced heat exchange proficiency and the low Specific Fan Power (SFP).  It comes with a 100% thermal (summer) bypass feature which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger. For optimal ventilation performance, a further model is available with integral humidity sensors, automatically changing the extract speed from background to boost as the level of humidity increases.

The HRXE-HERA is part of the HRXE MVHR range which includes HRXE-Aura and HRXE-Zeus, covering all property sizes.

Domus Ventilation has a well-deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer.  It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L.  For further information on the Domus Ventilation HRXE range of MVHR appliances, please contact vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk or visit domusventilation.co.uk

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Domus Ventilation expands HRXE MVHR range with ZEUS

Domus Ventilation, manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality, has expanded its HRXE range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units with the launch of HRXE-ZEUS. HRXE-ZEUS has been introduced to meet ventilation requirements for large residential properties, which require a more powerful system to deliver the airflow required to meet Building Regulations Part F.

 

HRXE-ZEUS high performance MVHR system combines supply and extract ventilation in one system. Using an advanced heat exchanger, up to 95% of the heat typically lost in waste, stale air is efficiently recovered and used to temper the fresh air drawn into the building. The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings. The system features two independent fans which have full-speed control for background and boost ventilation rates.

 

HRXE-ZEUS comes with 100% thermal bypass which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger – ideal for increasingly air tight properties that are prone to overheating in summer. The smart design of HRXE-ZEUS means there is no reduction in airflow when operating in bypass mode.

 

There are four HRXE-ZEUS models to choose from, available to meet different specifications and different on-site requirements, including opposite handed units and units with integral humidistat. Optimal ventilation performance is achieved when choosing models with the latter, as the sensors accurately measure air humidity and the HRXE-ZEUS’s extract speed automatically changes from background to boost as the level of humidity increases.

 

HRXE-ZEUS accessories include an Anti-Vibration tray which isolates the unit from the wall to reduce any low levels of vibration induced noise, condensation drain kit and, of course, replacement filters. The filters are easily replaced via the front access panel, for quick and easy maintenance.

 

HRXE-ZEUS joins Domus Ventilation’s existing range of MVHR systems, including HRXE-HERA which is suited to use in smaller properties of up to two/three bedrooms, and HRXE-AURA designed for homes of up to four/five bedrooms. All units are listed on the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) and come with a warranty of five years, with the first year covering parts and labour.

 

The HRXE range has been designed to work most efficiently when used with Domus duct systems, providing a total solution to whole house ventilation solutions for residential properties. Domus duct systems offer improved system performance through the exacting tolerances and engineered fit of the system, whereby pressure drops are minimised and air leakage virtually eliminated. Domus duct systems feature a range of unique products, including the award-winning Greenline Bend which reduces duct bend resistance by up to 60%.

 

 

Domus Ventilation has a well-deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer. It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L.

 

For further information on the Domus Ventilation HRXE-Zues and MVHR appliances, CLICK HERE to email Domus Ventilation

 

OR HERE to visit the Domus Website

 

 

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Track the invisible and make Indoor Air Quality a priority

Track the invisible and make Indoor Air Quality a priority with the IAQ multi-sensor

 

The IAQ multi-sensor from Siemens Smart Infrastructure offers a key contribution to room automation with a simple insight into room conditions that helps to prioritise indoor air quality and create a healthy and productive environment.

The sensor tracks seven key environmental factors in a single wall-mounted unit: fine dust (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, light and noise (dBA). The IAQ offers the same level of accuracy as individual room sensors, with an intuitive colour indicator to identify air quality status. Transparency in air quality is further ensured through an easy-to-read LED display, with a simplistic design that offers clear and quick indication of air conditions. This simplicity is carried through to the touch-sensitive buttons which allow easy scrolling through the sensor’s parameters.

The unit assists building owners and operators in meeting a range of environmental building regulations and certification requirements including WELL, RESET, LBC, FITWEL and LEED.

In addition to monitoring the air quality, the noise sensor (no recording) can detect the number of people in a meeting room.

Studies have shown that poor ventilation can account for more than 50 percent of all sick leave with poor air quality also perceived to reduce work performance by over 9 percent. The IAQ is one of a range of products from Siemens designed to optimise indoor air quality which is some 2.5 times more polluted than typical outdoor air. This range also includes Connect Box, an open and easy-to-use IoT solution which manages small to medium-sized buildings and can be simply connected to operate with the IAQ via wireless or wired protocols (BACnet and LoRaWAN).

Ease of installation is ensured through the sensor being suitable for use with most commercially available recessed conduit boxes.

Working together, the IAQ multi-sensor and Connect Box offer a highly efficient monitoring solution to increase health and comfort in small to medium-sized buildings without the need of a BMS system.

CLICK HERE for further information on Siemens Building Products

 

CLICK HERE for further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure

 

 

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New sustainable factory to meet increased ventilation demand

To meet the increasing demand for ventilation systems in the UK, leading indoor climate solutions manufacturer, Zehnder Group UK, yesterday opened a new modern manufacturing plant, utilising the very latest technology, in Maidstone, Kent. The new facility will create an innovative power hub in Britain, not only serving the UK ventilation industry but allowing increased export to Europe and beyond.

In a celebratory event on Wednesday, esteemed representatives from the local Maidstone community, along with notable figures such as Faversham and Mid Kent MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care), Helen Whately, and The Worshipful the Deputy Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Martin Cox, gathered at the factory for the grand opening.

The distinguished guests were warmly received by Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 120-year-old Zehnder Group, Dr. Hans-Peter Zehnder and Zehnder UK Managing Director, Tony Twohig. Together, they performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and graciously welcomed customer representatives and attendees inside for an exclusive tour.

The new factory, located in the Hollingbourne area of Maidstone, has been strategically located to allow easy access to major transportation routes and infrastructure, providing an improved logistics hub and delivery capabilities for Zehnder customers throughout the UK. It features the very latest equipment and technology in ventilation manufacturing for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units, trickle vents and single point extract fans – reducing the need for offshoring and allowing increased export into the EU.

Zehnder has made significant investment in the facility that will offer the increased production capacity, allowing the business to expand its product lines and services to meet the changing needs of its residential and commercial customers.

The new factory site has been designed to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability and will incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies to minimise its environmental impact. The new building operates at the highest energy efficiency through the implementation of solar panels, LED low energy lighting, which is light sensitive and self-adjusting, and heat recovery heating and cooling systems in the office areas.

Brand new machinery, such as plastic moulding machines, cooling systems and a fully electric vehicle fleet, including forklift trucks, also work to the latest energy efficiency ratings – lowering Zehnder’s carbon footprint and becoming a key part of its journey to carbon neutral.

The sustainability credentials of the new factory don’t end there. The new site is set up to recycle the energy from cooling water to heat or cool the machines, and then in the winter, reuse the heat from the compressed air system to warm the building – meaning the site is in a constant process of reuse and recycle, putting less strain on the local grid and surrounding amenities.

Zehnder has committed to staying in the Maidstone area. Most of the staff live within 12 miles of the site, including the factory’s operations manager, and every employee has access to a local free electric bus service to help them get to work. The launch will also open up job opportunities for local residents, with a focus on skilled and experienced professionals in the manufacturing and engineering fields.

The operations team will also use local businesses, such as packaging suppliers, facilities management companies, hospitality suppliers (for example local hotels and caterers), subcontractors (toolmakers, and materials suppliers) and logistics providers to help with external requirements.

Zehnder Commercial Director, Stuart Smith, said at the opening of the new facility: “It was an honour to welcome customers, staff and our esteemed local guests onto the new site today – and to have Hans-Peter Zehnder present to reinforce the importance of this opening for Zehnder Group made it an extra special occasion.

 

“Maidstone will offer us increased production capacity and more efficient technology to expand our product outputs and services across residential and commercial lines. This opening will really put Zehnder UK on the map as a centre of excellence for sustainability and energy efficient manufacturing practices as well as a global hub for exports across the world.

“Through our sustainability efforts and ongoing community focus, we hope to also make a positive impact on the area – creating job opportunities, supporting other local businesses and fully utilising the excellent logistic links that Kent offers.

“The technology we’ve brought into the factory production line is the very latest in cutting edge innovation for our market-leading ventilation systems and this investment is a testament to our commitment in providing our customers with the best products and services – as well as our dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices.”

 

Zehnder is known for providing high-quality ventilation systems, and the opening of the new factory in Maidstone, Kent, represents a momentous milestone in the company’s growth and expansion. The upgraded facility will enable Zehnder to continue to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers, while also contributing to the economic growth of the region.

 

For more information on Zehnder and its products, please visit www.zehnder.co.uk or contact us at info@zehnder.co.uk.

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BREATHE CLEANER AIR WITH ELECTRICALDIRECT’S EXTENDED RANGE OF AIR PURIFIERS

ElectricalDirect has added more products to its air purification range to help education specifiers and facilities managers protect indoor spaces against harmful germs and unpleasant odours.

 

Suitable for public and commercial spaces, ElectricalDirect has added the Vent-Axia PureAir Room Air Purifier to its range. This advanced multistage air cleaning system is able to remove 99.9% of airborne particles including COVID-19, viruses and bacteria.

The Vent-Axia PureAir Room Purifier also features a six-stage filtration system: a washable pre-filter, an H13 HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, a cold catalyst filter, ultraviolet light, and an ionizer. With a capacity of up to 30m2 and a maximum noise level of 45d(B)A, the user will not be disturbed by loud background noise.

This portable and lightweight product also benefits from an auto mode that sets airflow based on the indoor air pollution, air quality display and a timer to allow you to set the unit to run for periods up to eight hours. Additionally, it features three speeds which can be manually or automatically controlled, meaning it can be easily adjusted for the level of usage required.

For increased functionality, ElectricalDirect also stocks the Vent Axia PureAir Room Air Purifier with Smart App Control which can be operated by its SmartLife app. This feature gives the ability to link multiple air purifiers to one app and remotely control each unit, speeding up the process of maintaining larger properties.

ElectricalDirect’s line up also includes the super slim air purifiers from AirX Pro, which is a medical grade air purifying system that removes 99.9% allergens and 93.3% of odours, from airborne viruses and dust mites to organic fumes, tobacco smoke, traffic pollution and more.

Carrie Earl, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect, said: “As part of our promise to offer a huge range of products, we are pleased to have increased our portfolio of air purifiers to meet the growing demand for improved air quality. These are excellent solutions to providing healthier indoor environments, especially as we approach winter and consider the health implications related to poor air quality.”

Specialist online retailer, ElectricalDirect has over 12,000 products in stock including everything from sockets, switches and cable management, to hand dryers and panel heaters. Education specifiers and facilities managers can choose from a range of flexible delivery options to meet the needs of their busy schedules, including free next day delivery on orders over £45 ex VAT, same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect from 6,500 pick up points across the UK.

 

To find out more about ElectricalDirect, CLICK HERE

 

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Why building design is key to preventing houses from overheating

Inside the Saint Gobain Nottingham H.O.U.S.E, which optimises the use of solar energy, part of the Creative Energy Homes Project. Photography by Campbell Rowley

Keep your cool: Why building design is key to preventing houses from overheating

The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe, due to the sheer volume of buildings constructed during the industrial revolution and post-wars when quantity was more important than quality. Consequently, most of our homes are cold in the winter months and vulnerable to overheating in the summer months.

Recent statistics indicated that 3.6 million living rooms in England had overheated during the summer of 2018 and, more recently, the UK experienced its hottest temperatures on record in July 2022 when the mercury rose to more than 40 degrees in Lincolnshire.

And now, the UK Health Security Agency has once again issued a heat-health alert for the week as temperatures are predicted to rise again, with some areas forecast to reach highs of 36 degrees by Saturday.

Lucelia Rodrigues, Professor of Sustainable and Resilient Cities at the University of Nottingham, discusses why building design is crucial when it comes to keeping homes cool.

She said: “Clever design means understanding and responding to context, including climate conditions. Most importantly, today’s designers need to make sure that buildings are climate resilient and are constructed with future weather scenarios in mind.

“Designing high-quality homes that are comfortable all year round does not cost any more than the construction of a ‘traditional’ home – it’s all about clever design as opposed to expensive technologies.”

In 2000, the university’s Department of Architecture and Built Environment launched Creative Energy Homes, an industry-funded project looking into innovative solutions that can make homes more comfortable and, crucially, carbon neutral.

Lucelia added: “The seven-house development has provided a living test-site for leading companies such as E.ON, David Wilson Homes, Saint Gobain, BASF and more, who have worked alongside us to investigate the integration of energy efficient strategies and technologies into houses.

“As part of this, we have implemented several strategies to help keep the buildings cool, from simple, low-tech solutions, such as shading, insulation, and effective natural ventilation, through to more sophisticated solutions, for example, phase-change-materials, earth-air heat exchangers and evaporative cooling.

“Understandably, it’s not possible for us all to simply redesign our homes. Therefore, we need to redesign the way we think, particularly as we prepare for another heatwave, to ensure both comfort and safety.

“While it might seem counterintuitive, closing windows during particularly high temperatures can, in fact, help keep the warm air out. Try to ventilate your home at night and in the very early morning instead when the air temperature is cooler. Additionally, stopping the sunshine from passing through the window can prevent the greenhouse effect, so it is important to shade the outside using shutters, brise soleils, or cleverly placed plants – even cardboard will do in particularly extreme weather. Finally, for any homeowners with an unshaded conservatory, open everything up, particularly high windows, to let the warm air escape.

“It is important to note that well-designed homes with highly-insulated envelopes that are comfortable and energy efficient in the winter months are also good at keeping the heat out in the summer, and technologies such as air-source heat pumps (ASHP) and mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR) can also aid cooling. If you are buying a new property or refurbishing yours do ensure you ask your supplier how you home will keep cool through the heatwaves that are sure to come.”

For more information about the Creative Energy Homes project, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/creative-energy-homes/index.aspx

THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MMC MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

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Cop a load of the new Building Regulations to stop buildings overheating

By Andrew Cooper – Managing Director – Smartlouvre

 

It may be hard to believe that the ‘sustainability’ concept as it’s known today is less than 30 years old: it appeared for the first time in 1987.

Climate change (or global warming) conversely was first recognised as an issue more than 100 years ago. We can berate ourselves for the irresponsible damage we caused in the first 70 years, or we can focus on what we can do now.

The impact human activity has on the environment is now a big part of our children’s’ education, our day-to-day lives and is a global concern. In an overpopulated world where resources are exploited, the planet has no time to regenerate so we are finally changing our ways.

The construction industry was identified as one of the worst culprits many years ago, and the spotlight has been upon it ever since; house builders seem to be getting squeezed the most. Despite more than 2.2 million new residential buildings being built in England since 2010, we’re not yet achieving the 300,000 per year target, and some argue that we would actually need to build 340,000 each year to catch up with the current level of demand. Our overpopulation needs addressing fast with more new homes. The problem is that we’re constantly being bombarded with new building regulations, new rules and new guidance that we very quickly need to adopt in order to keep moving forward towards the (moving) targets.

The latest update to building regs, specifically focused on the residential sector is Approved Document O: Overheating. The goals of this new regulation are to stop us from cooking in our homes, to stop us simply cranking up the air-con as the planet heats up, and to stop us burning up energy with fans and air conditioning which draw us further away from net zero.

So, what does AD O say? Fundamentally, it restricts the areas of glass you’re allowed to have unless important criteria are met. Do we really have to live in the dark to be cool and kinder to the planet? Will we be facing the prospect of living in the dark like they did when the window tax was introduced in 1696? No, it’s not all doom and gloom (literally).

Shutters, external blinds, overhangs, awnings and of course, solar control glass are the suggested solutions, but they are in the most, designed to block natural, unfiltered daylight and in some cases, our vision out.

Under Document O shading also has to be ‘Fixed’ and ‘Passive’, so no moving or so-called dynamic systems are allowed. This is a no-brainer in terms of sustainability since dynamic systems need energy to or human intervention to operate and are therefore under a limited life cycle before maintenance or replacement is required. Furthermore, when they’re down they block your vision out and if it’s even vaguely windy they have to retract.

So, these fixed, passive shading options won’t damage the environment once in place, but we should still, as responsible constructors, consider the ‘cost’ of manufacturing them? What is the number one solution when it comes to keeping buildings cool, whilst limiting the impact on the environment? What we are comparing in terms of Approved Document O compliant shading products simply comes down to the materials they’re constructed from: metal, plastic, acrylic, vinyl or glass.

Metal is the stand-out winner, and of the metals, copper is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. It’s also handily thermally conductive, so if we’re using it to protect us from the sun’s heat, it’s doing half the job for us.

 

CLICK HERE NOW to find out more

 

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If I achieve good Airtightness levels, will I need MVHR?

By Iain Fairnington – Technical Director, A.Proctor Group Ltd

This is an increasing question as to whether you require MVHR if your building is airtight. In a word, No, but it can be advantageous and to use a Technical phrase ‘it depends’!!

The levels of airtightness in UK construction regulations is constantly being lowered, arguably too slowly. Many people are now understanding that good levels of airtightness is a thermal improvement method, but are there knock on effects?
Iain Fairnington, Technical Director at the A. Proctor Group sits on BS 5250 committee which deals with Moisture Management and explained that the committee generally agree that the easiest way to avoid moisture build up is to put the heating up and open the windows. This allows any moisture to escape and avoids cold spots – Simple but not environmentally friendly. So, we need to look at how we manage the balance of Heat, Air and Moisture Movement.
When you have high levels of airtightness installation (low level airtightness) then this could lead to stale moist air being trapped inside a building, almost to “sweat” levels if the heating is not controlled. By introducing ventilation this moves the air out and replaces it with fresh air. Is this throwing out the baby with the bathwater when you have paid to heat that air and you are letting that warm air to escape while bringing in cooler air that needs heated up?

There are various ways to look at this including-

No ventilation system – here the airtightness is above 3 generally and only reliance is on trickle passive ventilation and mechanical ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms

MEV– Mechanical extract Ventilation- Here the ventilation system extracts moisture from areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms etc., to the outside

MVHR– Mechanical Ventilation with Heat recovery- Here the air is extracted and any heat from this air is recovered

All have pros and cons and the ultimate decision will depend on a number of issues such as the need to filter air/reduce energy consumption or budget.
There is an old saying of “Build tight/ventilate right” which explains a lot in terms of the balance of getting this right. A self-build project may prefer to have an MVHR system and the owners be happy to change the filters every 6 moths or so, however a developer may not want to put this on the owner so may choose MEV. The MEV can be quieter and runs at a low pressure. The MEV can also be cheaper to install as not as much pipework is required.

 

Which ever system is chosen by the architect/developer or home owner, there is no need to be scared of airtightness levels being to low. There are solutions to ensure the building is healthy and efficient.

At the A Proctor Group we support the fabric first philosophy. We provide many solutions to build in energy efficiency and the moisture management. This can be seen in our Reflective membranes both external (Reflectashield TF) and internal (Reflectatherm) as well as our Wraptite which is an airtight vapour permeable externally applied self-adhered membrane for both walls and roofs. The Group supply high performance thin insulation systems for walls , floors and roofs which can also be used to reduce cold bridging in critical areas.

As with all decisions in life, it is all a balance of what’s important to you and others.

www.proctorgroup.com

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